I DO NOT OWN SAILOR MOON. ANY OF IT. . . . . . SO DON'T SUE.

My first fic. Be constructive. Help is appreciative. But no stupid remarks. We all have an opinion.

The Cost of Love

Prologue

She stood there. All alone. One would think that after a few millennia one would get use to the feeling of loneliness. Oh there was no doubt that she was use to it, but it never meant that she loved the idea of it. She wanted what they all had. The Senshi had the Shitennou. Her princess had her prince. Haruka had Michiru. Even little Hotaru had a special friend in both Chibiusa and her boyfriend Helios. She looked over from the shadowy place in the park as she watched them all on a day that she wished she could enjoy like they did. To laugh as they did. To be . . . . . . . normal. If only for one day. She remembered a time when she didn't have to be alone. When she had HIM. A small rare smile came across her smile and started to flashback when a cheerful voice pulled her out of daydream.

"Setsuna! Hey we're all going towards the fountain in the center of the park. Would you care to join us?" Usagi asked. Setsuna couldn't help but give a quiet chuckle and smiled warmly at her princess. "I think that would be lovely thank you," she humbly replied and let Usagi lead the way. As the friends walked toward their destination, the guardian of time thought about all they had been through. How the inners found, lost, and regained their loved ones. The trials her prince and princess had to go through and the battles her fellow outers and herself dealt with. From arguing constantly and bickering to lying to the inners and not trusting them it was almost unreal to Setsuna that they had managed to become as close as they did.

"Truly different from their past selves," she giggled to her own inside joke. They soon came to their destination when Hotaru exclaimed, "Look at the flowers!" The flowers around the fountain were indeed at their peak in beauty, and the lovers and friends took the advantage of it. All the men and Haruka gathered that perfect flower for their perfect girl. Setsuna again found herself watching them and secretly let out a soft, sad sigh. Her eyes settled on Mamoru and Usagi as Mamoru handed her a red rose. Setsuna lowered her eyes as a single tear slid down her cheek. Not wanting to bring alarm to the others with her emotions she offered to get ice cream for the little ones. As she left, a single white rose drifted to the exact place she was standing just seconds earlier.

Disclaimer: See Prologue please

Flashbacks are italics and thoughts are bold for future reference.

Chapter 1

A Love So Dear

"You expect me to just let you walk out now that you're here?" The voice laughed as he teased her. She unexpectedly didn't believe he would be here at all. He always was training. Even in times of peace he trained. She cursed her luck as she attempted to sneak out when she realized he was in the shower. But as she reached the other side of his room, he walked out and it would be hard to tell who was more shocked or surprised by the other. She was sure she would be even more embarrassed had he not already covered himself. "Gomen nasal, but I really must be going," she said hurriedly and ran out. She could hear the man laughing and she felt a tear or two on her face. She just wanted to disappear because he would surely let his friends know, and if her friend, the princess of Uranus ever found out . . . . . . Well it was better if she did not. She couldn't believe that she, a grown woman, was ready to fall to her knees and cry like a simple child. She had made it halfway to that point when a soft gentle hand squeezed her shoulder. "Princess Setsuna?"

Setsuna looked up and there stood Queen Serenity in all her beautiful glory. The queen smiled and asked, "Having a problem I take it?" Setsuna was always impressed with how well the queen could read her. Then again, the queen always was around when Setsuna finally broke down. She could only nod and the queen chuckled and replied. "Does this have anything to do with a certain young man who has caught the eye of one my warriors?" Setsuna went a deep shade of crimson and really felt embarrassed in front of her queen. Queen Serenity simply laughed and when she notice how hurt and upset the princess of Pluto was she calmly helped her to her feet and the two begin to walk as she talked. "I see. Gomen nasai. What's seems to be the problem?"

"Well," Setsuna began . . .

A loud alarm piercingly woke up Setsuna. Damn it. She switched off the alarm and headed downstairs to fix some coffee. Well, at least it was a little more than last time. I actually got to see the Queen this time. She smiled at this, hardly remembering the voice of Queen Serenity, but at the same time the dream worried her. I started having this dream a few weeks ago. Why am I having this dream? What is happening and why now for any of this? She was snatched from her private thoughts by the sound of happy feet, laughter and a loud groan from her housemates. Hotaru skipped down the steps and greeted one of her mothers. "Morning Setsuna-mama." Setsuna hugged her gently and said, "Morning Hime-chan. What are you're plans for the day?" She heard a long yawn and turn to see Haruka walking down the stairs. "I think she wants to go spend the day with the gals." Hotaru eargerly nodded her head yes and went about fixing herself some breakfast. Michiru glided into the kitchen and greeted Haruka with a morning kiss. She turned and said, "Good morning all. Setsuna? Are you all right? You look tired. Are you sick?" Setsuna shook her head as Hotaru was seated by Haruka and both turned to look at her.

"I'm fine. I'm just a little worn out I guess." Setsuna reassured her friends. Better if I don't worry them when I don't even know what's going on. Besides I'm sure it's nothing. Haruka nodded her head and said, "Well maybe you should take the day and rest. Setsuna returned the nod and after hugging Hotaru and giving her a kiss on the head, she retired back to her bedroom. It didn't take long after her head hit the pillow to drift back to sleep and to her dream.

"Hey Setsuna! Wait up!" Setsuna stopped with wide eyes as the last person she thought would ever speak to her was now almost beside her. She turned to see HIM. Crap. Not him. Not now! She thought as she smiled warmly at him. He stopped a few feet from her and bowed. "I wanted to apologize for my actions earlier today. You know how I am but it doesn't give me the excuse to make you feel awkward and embarrassed." Setsuna didn't know what to do except nod, which was beginning to irritate her. "Well," he began again, "I hate to rush off but I have a sparring with the prince of the Earth soon. I hope if you have time you can come watch. I also hope you and I can spar some time. Well, I guess I'll talk to you later. Bye!" He started to leave then stopped again. "This is for you." He smiled at her shocked expression and headed off to meet the prince. Setsuna stood in place and looked down at her gift. A beautiful, single white rose.